Pearl Harbor Evening at Museum of the Oregon Territory Highlights Many Aspects of WWII History

The events of Dec. 7, 1941 - when the Empire of Japan attacked the U.S. Pacific Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii - changed the world order of the 20th Century, and set the United States on a path of purpose to defeat the Axis countries in World War II.

On Friday, December 7th, from 5-8:30 p.m., the Clackamas County Historical Society will once again commemorate what FDR called “the date that will live in infamy,” with a free event that invites you to step back in time, hear the songs of the ‘40’s, and see the relics that WWII soldiers and their loved ones carried - from children’s medic kits and “sweetheart” compacts, cigarette cases, and cologne bottles, to authentic flamethrowers and knobby green grenades.

CCHS’s Museum of the Oregon Territory will be open all evening, with exhibits and displays appealing to all ages. Educational and entertaining elements include private collector’s memorabilia, war equipment and weaponry, a soldier camp reenactment, a 1943 jeep, and NORDPAC’s WWII era radio-controlled model tanks, which will “do battle” starting at 5 p.m.

This year’s Pearl Harbor Evening presents a unique and thoughtful historic perspective on this trying but unifying time, which spawned into action “the greatest generation,” at home and abroad.

Award-winning Oregon novelist Kristina McMorris (“Bridge of Scarlet Leaves”) will speak at 7:15 p.m. on the deep sacrifices and contributions of West-Coast Americans of Japanese descent. She will be joined by internment camp survivor Mr. Henry Sakamoto.

Critics have called McMorris’ latest book "A touching story of love and survival during the bitter years of World War II, where the battles fought weren't always on enemy soil.” It is currently #16 on the New York Times bestselling list, and climbing.

The Museum of the Oregon Territory overlooks the Willamette Falls, at 211 Tumwater Drive, off Hwy 99 in Oregon City. Call 503-655-5574 for more information, or visit www.clackamashistory.org.